Care Guide
Light Requirements
Monstera Obliqua prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, while low light can slow growth.
Watering Needs
Water your Monstera Obliqua when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
Soil Preferences
Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A combination of peat, perlite, and orchid bark is ideal for this plant.
Temperature & Humidity
Maintain temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C) and humidity levels above 60%. Use a humidifier or mist the leaves to keep the plant happy.
Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning & Maintenance
Prune any yellow or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth. Gently clean the leaves to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Light
Monstera adansonii needs bright but indirect light to grow. The foliage can burn if it's exposed to too much direct sun. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, limit its exposure to just two or three hours of morning sun.
Soil
Swiss cheese plants grow best in peat-based potting mix, which will help to trap moisture in the soil without causing it to become waterlogged. For strong growth, aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.
Water
Water your Swiss cheese plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Soil should be be kept moist, but not soaked. A well-draining terracotta container will help to regulate moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Swiss cheese plant thrives in high humidity (above 50%) and warm temperatures of 60°F to 85°F. A warm, well-lit bathroom (free of drafts) is a good spot for this tropical plant. If you need to increase humidity, add a pebble tray or use a humidifier in its space.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer made for houseplants with an N-P-K of 5-2-3 should be applied monthly during the growing season (May to September). However, wait until the plant is well established after potting it, as potting mix typically already has slow-release fertilizer in it, and the sensitive roots need time to settle after the stress of being moved.
Staking and Support
Swiss cheese plants are vigorous climbers, with aerial roots growing downward from the stem, which brace against the ground or any available support. In the wild, it will use these roots to push itself up onto an adjoining tree or woody vine. Providing stake support is crucial to keep it from escaping too far from its container: the most straightforward method is to insert a wooden, metal or plastic stake in the center of the pot.
